Our community investment and partnerships are focused on capacity-building, as well as creating social value by supporting local organisations to deliver programs that address key priorities or needs.
Engaging students in STEM through sports
Pilbara, WA
At Santos, our commitment is to make long-term, meaningful contributions to the communities in which we operate, and that includes encouraging students to explore Science, Technology, Mathematics and Engineering (STEM) through sport.
For several years, Santos has sponsored the STEM in Sport program, delivered by Pilbara Kimberley University Centres (PKUC) to make an impact on students in Western Australia’s North West.
The program aims to boost student engagement and achievement in STEM through sport, while supporting both students and athletes to develop valuable academic skills and explore university pathways.
In 2025, a group of 11 enthusiastic students participated in the program, working alongside athletes from the Pilbara Sports Academy to use innovative human measurement technologies to investigate how energy systems contribute to performance in sports such as swimming, basketball, netball, soccer and BMX.
Each participant developed a research hypothesis and presented their findings to a panel of judges, with the top performers recognised at the prestigious Karratha Community Sports Awards.
Beyond the classroom, PKUC brought STEM in Sport activities to regional public events and careers forums in Exmouth, Port Hedland, Tom Price, Kununurra and Karratha. The ice bath challenge at the Karratha FeNaCING Festival proved especially popular with the local community.
Santos is proud to support opportunities that inspire young people across the regions to pursue their interests in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and develop career pathways.
“The STEM in Sport program helped me to see the real-world applications of mathematics and physics in a context so relevant to my everyday life. It opened my eyes to see how much of what we learn in school surrounds us.” – Brian (Student & Athlete)
Boosting accessibility at Northern Territory events
NT
Santos is proud to improve accessibility for community members at a number of major Northern Territory events, thanks to a unique partnership with Northern Territory Major Event Company (NTMEC).
With accessibility often a barrier for many people attending events, the partnership between Santos and NTMEC is making a real difference, making events like BASSINTHEGRASS – the Territory’s biggest and best all-ages music festival held at Darwin’s iconic Mindil Beach – accessible and enjoyable for all.
After gathering community feedback, NTMEC identified an urgent need for a mobile accessible adult change unit. Through combined support from NTMEC, Santos, and a Commonwealth Government grant, the Northern Territory’s first Changing Places Facility was purchased.
While the unit itself may seem a relatively small addition, it marks a huge step forward in event accessibility for the NT. Not only is the unit fully compliant with current disability and accessibility standards, it is also Australian made and designed specifically for adults who require changing facilities, providing a comfortable, spacious and dignified environment for individuals with disabilities and their carers.
Santos has also contributed funding for 500m2 of wheelchair-accessible flooring, improving mobility across event spaces. This practical, reusable solution, makes events safer and more inclusive for individuals using wheelchairs, walkers, and prams.
“Through our partnership with Santos, we’ve been able to make meaningful investments in accessibility and inclusion, ensuring more people can participate in and enjoy major events across Darwin. This support helps us deliver events that leave a positive and lasting legacy for the Territory community.” – Aimee Luxton, Executive Director, NTMEC
“The accessible flooring made a big difference getting around the site. It was much easier to move between areas and meant I could enjoy the event without worrying about access the whole time.” – Festival Attendee, survey respondent.
Empowering School Wellbeing Across Gladstone
Gladstone, QLD
Santos GLNG have partnered with The Resilience Project’s School Wellbeing Program, providing $27,000 over the past two years to build resilient school communities within the Gladstone region.
The school-based program provides tools and strategies, focusing on developing behaviours of gratitude, empathy, mindfulness and emotional intelligence within students, helping them turn up to school ready to learn.
A spokesperson from Yarwun State School said:
”It’s been really pleasing to see our young students learning about expressing, recognising and responding to their feelings and those of others.”
Since the partnership commenced in 2024, primary school students across four state schools in Gladstone have benefited from the highly-regarded School Wellbeing program.
Regional Academies of Sport Ltd
Hunter Gas Pipeline, NSW
In 2024, Santos announced a new partnership with Regional Academies of Sport Ltd (RAS Ltd) in the Upper Hunter Region of New South Wales to provide financial support and development opportunities for regional athletes, through scholarships and events.
During the first six months of the partnership, 10 Regional Athlete Assistance Scholarships and 17 Athlete Excellence Scholarships for aspiring athletes were awarded.
Santos’ funding also contributes to identifying Indigenous sporting prowess, with over 40 participants taking part in last year’s Hunter Academy of Sport’s Muswellbrook Indigenous Talent Identification Day. Following participation in the event, the regional athletes took part in a six-week strength and conditioning program designed to support young Indigenous athletes from the Hunter region develop their talents.
As part of the program, athletes from the region recently travelled to the 2025 Your Local Club Academy Games, held in Tamworth and attended by almost 300 athletes from the Hunter and Central Coast Academies of Sport.
Chief Executive Officer of RAS Ltd, Brett O’Farrell, highlighted the significance of the partnership.
“This partnership with Santos is transformational for the Regional Academies of Sport and the athletes we support,” Mr. O’Farrell said.
“These scholarships are not just about funding; they’re about creating opportunities for athletes to develop, thrive, and achieve their potential.
“With Santos’ backing, we can continue to deliver meaningful support to our athletes while identifying and nurturing new talent.”
Through Santos’ support, many challenges faced by athletes in regional areas including financial barriers and limited access to elite training, is addressed.
The partnership between Regional Academies of Sport and Santos is building stronger connections within communities, promoting healthy lifestyles, empowering young leaders and delivering positive outcomes in the areas where Santos operates.